Congregations that fail to talk about Christian stewardship on a regular basis often find themselves talking about money all year long. Some congregations do talk about stewardship, but only in the context of the annual budget. However, budget-focused stewardship programs rarely raise more than what is needed to meet the budget.
LCEF's Consecrated Stewards program is designed to support ministry leaders as they approach the topic of generosity in a ministry forward way. It's a four week "stewardship in a box" emphasis for the whole family of faith to participate in on Sunday morning and throughout the week.
CONSECRATED STEWARDS . . . a stewardship education emphasis that:
Is founded on our Lutheran understanding of biblical stewardship.
Uses Scripture to awaken in Christians the Spirit-led, free, and joyous response to the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
Puts ministry before money.
Is easy to organize and implement.
Can be used any time of the year.
Uses your own LCEF facilitator to train, motivate, and assist congregation leaders in maximizing results.
Typically results in a 15%-35% increase* in annual offering commitments.
*Individual results vary. Increases in amounts committed to annual envelope giving typically range between 15% and 35%. A congregation’s results could be more or less. LCEF cannot guarantee results in a Consecrated Stewards program or in the fulfillment of the commitments. The level of cooperation and participation of congregation members will impact results.
Four-Phases
DECISION PHASE
The time in which the congregation gathers information from their LCEF facilitator about the program and considers participation in Consecrated Stewards. The length of time will vary by congregation, depending on the approval process.
PREPARATION PHASE
PROGRAM PHASE
FULFILLMENT PHASE
Why It Works!
In addition to the Holy Spirit’s blessing, the effectiveness of Consecrated Stewards can be attributed to three factors:
It is founded on solid, Scriptural stewardship teaching reinforced in materials and activities.
It is easy to implement and organize.
It provides a trained facilitator to keep the process on track, maintain a biblical focus, and avoid expensive shortcuts
Key Elements in Consecrated Stewards
At the core of Consecrated Stewards is the approach that offers a thoroughly Lutheran perspective; a trained facilitator; and the educational, administrative, and follow-up support congregations seek.
Publicity resources for reaching every member.
Role-specific instructional materials for each Consecrated Stewards team member.
Four weeks of video-guided Bible study and guides for stewardship sermons.
Focus on prayer throughout the entire emphasis.
Coordinated children’s ministry materials for preschool through 12th grade.
Stewardship witness talks in which members of the congregation share their stewardship journey.
Celebration of Ministry – Weekly celebration of special ministries within the congregation, providing an opportunity to recognize members for their “time” and “talent.”
Optional Leaders Dinner to inspire your leaders’ growth and commitment.
“Consecration Sunday” worship and luncheon – Commitment is shown to be a sanctified act of worship.
“First Offering Sunday” Celebration – Celebrates the results of the emphasis and encourages people to begin their commitment on a certain day.
Your Own Trained LCEF Facilitator Makes a Difference!
Consecrated Stewards facilitators have been trained to provide a customized design, team training, and ongoing support.
The Consecrated Stewards facilitator makes two or three on-site visits to provide training and assist with the congregational commitment process.
The Consecrated Stewards facilitator provides ongoing support as needed.
For more information, contact LCEF District Vice President for the CNH - Matt Molinari (matt.molinari@lcef.org).
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